Opinions: Spring Break and Summer Break preview.
Sports: Predicting the March Madness upsets of 2018.
Sports: Leathernecks prepare for Sycamores.
Friday, March 9, 2018 - Vol. 118 Issue 65
Road work to continue soon Randolph and Calhoun to undergo construction through August By Steven Barnum assistant news editor
Mayor Mike Inman (left) and Alderman Gayle Carper (right) speak at Monday's City Council meeting.
FILE PHOTO
Regarding a construction project, Public Works Director Scott Coker, indicated that a stretch of road on both Randolph Street and Calhoun Street would undergo significant work at Monday's City Council meeting. The budget for the project is $370,000, and according to Coker, it will be completed for $320,000. The project, which is expected to be finished by August, involves digging up antique bricks within the street. When asked if the bricks can be saved, Coker was doubtful. “There is value to the bricks, but it’s a lot of work in preserving them.” A decline in student enrollment at Western may be a cause for concern for the project. The state of Illinois matches money generated by Macomb, and the town now has to rely less on student enrollment. Nonetheless, Macomb is still expected to receive
full matched funding this year. With a public comments section filled with members of the Western Illinois University Athletic Training Program, the Macomb City Council announced that March would be dubbed “Athletic Training Month.” Wearing their school colors, the group was pleased to be recognized for their work. Chauntel Vance was congratulated on becoming 2018’s Miss Macomb. The pageant, put on by the Miss Macomb Scholarship Organization, took place on Feb. 24, and has been a tradition for 55 years. Next, Alderman Gayle Carper encouraged the public to celebrate the accomplishments of women in America since March is National Women’s History Month. Carper praised four local women in particular: Martha Klems, Maurine Magliocco, Paula Wise and Sally Egler.
Council page 2
Grading policy discussion continues By Steven Barnum assistant news editor
Continuing a discussion from last meeting, members of Student Government Association (SGA) discussed pending legislation regarding participation and attendance policies Tuesday following a Faculty Senate meeting in which many faculty shared their discontent with the proposed legislation. Per university policy, faculties have the ability to tailor their syllabus and grading policy to their courses. Although the legislation is expected to be further debated at a later date, students expressed they would like to work with faculty members in order to come to more reasonable guidelines when it comes to attendance policies and participation points. Madison Lynn, SGA Director of Academic Affairs, also shared that a petition regarding the administrative leadership at Western has received signatures
from 24% of the faculty. The petition calls for a survey to be given to faculty members with the option of choosing one of two answers: “I have confidence in the administrative leadership of Western Illinois University” or “I have no confidence in the administrative leadership of Western Illinois University.” The survey is in response to a decline in enrollment at Western, and if faculty still have faith in the administration as the university moves forward, following a two-year state budget impasse and a decade of declining state appropriations. Since the signature requirement of 20% was met and there were no objections from the Faculty Senate meeting, the petition appears to be successful. The results of the survey will be shared with the Board of Trustees.
SGA page 3
JOSH PURNELL/COURIER STAFF
Student Government Association Director of Academic Affairs Madison Lynn (left) discusses feedback given at faculty senate on legislation. Macomb Mayor Mike Inman (right) answers questions from the legislative body.
2
Friday, March 9, 2018
NEWS
WesternCourier.com
Jimmy pierson/production manager
William Turkington courier staff
The Western Illinois University AgVocators hosted a spaghetti benefit luncheon on Monday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Knoblauch Hall 239 to support the family of Karissa Graves, whose mother recently passed away of cancer. Tickets were sold for $5 and included spaghetti, bread, desert, and a drink. The spaghetti was smothered in meat sauce and the bread was warm and tasty. The desserts comprised of warm M&M cookies and the drinks ranged from a variety of canned sodas to bottled water. The AgVocators all wore their “Neck Up Cancer Sucks” t-shirts they were selling to help the Graves’ family. The team managed to get 225 t-shirt orders before the event at $10 each. The team is still calculating how many people attended the luncheon, which exceeded their expectations. The event received support from on campus organizations like Alpha Gamma Rho, a Greek life organization for agriculture students, who pledged money towards the event. Local businesses such as Hyvee and Sweet Shack donated food and other gifts. Leatherneck professors in and outside the agriculture department were quick to get behind the event. However, according to group organizers, no professor was more impactful than Agriculture Communication
Council from front page
The council then recognized several student organizations that made generous contributions to charity, including all
WC Located on the third floor of the Heating Plant Annex on the south end of campus across from Sherman Hall. Mail: 1 University Circle, WIU, Macomb, IL 61455 Phone: 309-298-1876 Fax: 309-298-2309 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays E-mail: micour@wiu.edu Member: Illinois College Press Association, National Association College Press
OPEN APPLICATIONs
Professor Jana Knupp. “We couldn't have done this without our advisor, Jana Knupp,” said Claudia Bland, who was one of the key students who helped get this event off the ground. “She is amazing and we couldn't do what we do without her.” The AgVocator team was very pleased with the turnout and the massive support they received from all kinds of sources. “Our AgVocator team would like to give a shout out to everyone who attended the luncheon,” said Bland. “Our success is attributed to everyone who ate, donated a basket, or donated money.” The luncheon managed to bring the Leatherneck community together to support a common cause for one of their own in their time of need. Professor Knupp and the agriculture students involved with the luncheon praised that Leatherneck spirit. “The event was a success and really shows how big of a family we are here at WIU,” said Bland. “Thank you to everyone who supported Karissa and her family through this event.” Karissa’s mother, Kimberly Graves passed away over the weekend after her courageous fight with cancer. Some of Karissa’s friends have put together a gofundme page to assist the Graves family with their added financial burden at this time. 45 members from the fraternity Alpha Sigma Alpha, who participated in the polar plunge for the Special Olympics of Illinois. The event, which took place at Spring Lake in Macomb, had a total of 100 participants.
to be next year’s
Editor-in-Chief
are now open!
MUST be a full-time student for the Fall 2018 semester.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
MARCH 23RD
Come to the Western Courier office on the third floor of the Heating Planet Annex, or contact Nick Ebelhack at
na-ebelhack@wiu.edu for more information!
Taking place on the same day was a fundraising run for the American Cancer Society. An impressive 130 people showed up to the event, which was organized by the sorority Sigma Sigma Sigma. To a round of applause, Mayor
STAFF MEMBERS editor-in-chief Nicholas Ebelhack NA-Ebelhack@wiu.edu assistant news editor Marc Ramirez MA-Ramirez3@wiu.edu assistant news editor Steven Barnum SS-Barnum@wiu.edu opinions editor Ryan Zurek RP-Zurek@wiu.edu sports editor Devon Greene DJ-Greene@wiu.edu assistant sports editor Haley Richards H-Richards@wiu.edu edge editor Baylee Brynteson BM-Brynteson@wiu.edu copy editor Brie Coder B-Coder@wiu.edu proofreader Valerie Clemens VN-Clemens@wiu.edu
proofreader Alexis Lowe AL-Lowe@wiu.edu proofreader Tacuma Venzant T-Venzant@wiu.edu photo editor Becca Langys RE-Langys@wiu.edu assistant photo editor Sara Remar SE-Remar@wiu.edu production manager Jimmy Pierson JM-Pierson@wiu.edu business manager Faith Rucker F-Rucker@wiu.edu advertising manager Patryk Mazur P-Mazur@wiu.edu adviser Will Buss WJ-Buss@wiu.edu
Michael Inman announced that a Western program raised $135,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The group, which is called Dance Marathon, held a 12-hour dancing event open to the community on Feb. 24. This year’s
donations topped the previous year’s by over $10,000. The various charitable contributions are greatly appreciated. “These causes indicate the caliber of individuals attending WIU,” said the mayor, “We are thankful for them.”
PUBLISHING AND CIRCULATION
ADVERTISING POLICY
The Western Courier is published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the regular school year, excluding holidays, finals week and semester breaks. The WC updates the website weekly during the summer. All content reflects the editorial discretion of the students operating the newspaper and must be interpreted as unofficial university communication. While every attempt is made to determine the validity of advertising contained herein, the advertising in the WC is not to be construed as endorsements of any specific products or services. The WC assumes no responsibility or liability resulting from the content of paid advertisements. Subscription price is $36 per year mailed third-class bulk rate from Macomb. The WC is printed by The Galesburg Register-Mail in Galesburg, Ill.
COPYRIGHT 2017
No reproduction or reuse of material is permitted without written consent of the WC. All rights reserved. To request permission to reprint any material from this publication, please contact Nicholas Ebelhack or Will Buss at 309-298-1876.
The WC does not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, handicapped status, veteran or sexual orientation, nor does it knowingly print ads that violate any local, state or federal laws.
One copy of the Western Courier is free. Additional copies $1.
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS The WC needs your help to maintain accuracy. If you find a factual error, call the WC office at 309-298-1876 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Please ask to speak to an editor to ensure the inaccurate information can be corrected as quickly as possible.
@WesternCourier
By Steven Barnum
assistant news editor
Spring Break and March Madness are right around the corner, but don’t let that distract you from Women’s History Month. In the month of March, Western Illinois University will be holding various events to celebrate the societal contributions made by women. Kicking off the month’s events was Nikki Giovanni. Giovanni, who is known as an educator, activist, writer, and poet, delivered a keynote address about celebrating how far our society has come regarding race and gender relations. The address, which was held in the University Union Heritage Room on Thursday,
SGA
from front page
Mayor Michael Inman was a guest speaker at Tuesday’s night meeting. He addressed the fight that resulted in the arrests of seven students and one non-student in Thompson “That does not represent us at Western Illinois University.” He also shared his thoughts on the online video of the fight seen by so many. “That’s one of the negatives of social media,” Inman said. Rome Hamm, Director of Technology, voiced the public’s frustration with the deterioration of roads in Macomb. “I’ve had a lot of students complain about pot holes recently, and I was wondering if you could give an overview of how you decide what pot holes are priority and how Macomb deals with that.” Specifically, Hamm mentioned stretches on Adams Street and Wigwam Hollow. Inman informed the room that effective solutions can only happen when the weather is consistently above 40 degrees, and simply pouring gravel into the holes is a
Friday, March 9, 2018
March 1, was sponsored by the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center. That same night, an empowerment yoga session was held in the same building. Sponsoring the event was the Peace Corps Program. On Monday, March 5, Denice Frohman spoke about race, gender, and sexuality. Frohman, who works as a poet, writer, performer, and speaker, performed poetry that concentrated on social change. A group called “Cultural Expressions” started the night off with a performance of their own. Both performances were held in the Multicultural Center. Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. offered refreshshort-term fix. Inman spoke about the lack of a 24-hour restaurant in Macomb. One obstacle to drawing in a place like Steak ‘n Shake relates back to a decline in student enrollment. Unstable student enrollment would make a restaurant less likely to come to town. A more looming issue however may be maintaining the restaurants currently in town. Red Ox shut its doors recently, and Guadalajara will be closing later this month; although, a restaurant under new management is expected to open in Guadalajara’s place in April. SGA President Grant Reed encouraged members to consider joining the mayor ’s roundtable discussion group, where members can sit down and have a conversation with Inman once a month. The group typically discusses transportation and infrastructure developments in Macomb. “He’s always very candid,” said Reed, “It’s a great opportunity to partner with the city of Macomb and learn more about the community.”
ments, and the event was sponsored by Feminist Action Alliance, Casa Latina Cultural Center, LGBT*QA Resource Center, and the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center. The film “Hidden Figures” can be seen at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 8. The movie night is sponsored by the Center for International Studies and will be shown in the University Union Sandburg Theatre. On Tuesday, March 20, “MAJOR!” will be shown at a location and time yet to be announced. “MAJOR!” is a documentary that highlights the life of a transgender activist who helped pave the way for other transgender women of color. D Chase Catalano, an Assistant Professor at
NEWS 3
Western, will moderate a discussion immediately following the film. On Wednesday, March 21, there will be a discussion moderated by University Housing and Dining Services Complex Director Jailyn Stevenson. The discussion’s panel will include Equal Opportunity and Access Director Andrea Henderson, Academic Advisor Sharon Hunter, Instructor Monica Wright, and Assistant Professors Janaya Shaw and Ty Jiles. The discussion will take place at 6 p.m. in the Multicultural Center. Next, a discussion titled “Coffee and Conversation” will occur in the Women’s Center lounge in the Multicultural Center. One question that the
discussion will focus on will be “What does being a woman undefined mean to you?” The discussion will be held on Monday, March 26 at a time that will be announced later. Rounding out the month’s events is a screening of “Delores” in the Multicultural Center multipurpose room that will be sponsored by Casa Latina Cultural Center. The film, which is a documentary about the life of activist Delores Huerta, can be viewed at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28. At each event this month, Women’s History Month t-shirts will be available for purchase. The shirts will cost $5 for WIU students and $10 for non-students.
Friday, March 9, 2018
4 OPINIONS
Summer is the time of year that students usually long for the most as it means no school and sleeping in everyday and seeing your friends. Most people tend to travel and visit friends and family during this time, although I do not always have the opportunity to travel, I try to make the best of my summers. The last few have been spent working and it seems that it will remain that way since I do not work when I am away at college. But on days that I
WesternCourier.com
do not spend slaving away, there is much more things to do than you may think. Summers can be long and hard without your friends from college but it is important to have variety and change up your routine at times. The summers give you the time and chance to travel, to see new views and experience new things, this is my favorite thing to do and it is important to experience things that you are unfamiliar with. Something that I
find to be interesting and creates new memories is traveling and taking road trips with your friends. A way to spend the day, picking a new area to visit and explore-or simply revisiting old places where memories were first created. Even if it is just a small unfamiliar town with shops you have never heard of, or a place full of nature that gives you the chance to spend all day outside. These are some of the unique things you probably don’t think of doing, it is a good way to experience new things with a group of friends. Finding a place outdoors to explore like forest preserves, lakes and waterfalls, it does not always take an outdoorsy-
person but introduce yourself to things that you are not always used to doing, life can become very routine at times, it is important to change your perspectives at times. Besides traveling to unfamiliar places and seeing new things, summer is also considered to be festival season. There are several different types of festivals that take place during this time of year, the most popular types tend to be music festivals. Music festivals can get pretty pricey depending on which ones you choose to attend but these are the events that stick with you for a long time and you will always remember. As someone who likes to attend at least a few festi-
vals a year, I happen to save a certain amount of money and stash it away strictly for this. Many people may have preconceived notions about these events, but I promise that it will not be regretted in the end. I fully recommend that you attend at least one festival in the summer with your group of friends. It is an experience of a lifetime to enjoy your favorite music and artists with your friends, there are many new people to meet at these places too. Some of these festivals include camping since most take up an entire weekend. Camping with a group of people is not only a stressful experience but well worth it as well.
of Adidas’s new sneaker releases the past couple of years. Their release of the Yeezy collection, NMD collection, and Adidas Boost collection is giving some of Nike’s top shoe lines a run for their money. According to an article by CNN, last year at the end of Q2 Adidas had officially passed up Nike’s Jordan shoe line for sales and market shares. This jump still doesn’t have it beating Nike overall, but according to the stocks, Adidas did have a much more
successful 2017 than Nike. According to an article on The Motley fool stock comparison, last year Adidas’s gain went up 27 percent, whereas Nike’s only went up 23 percent. Even larger though, in the past three years Adidas’s shares went up 200 percent and Nike’s only went up 32 percent. These are huge gains for Adidas, but if they want to someday take over the number one spot they will have to continue to keep climbing. After much research online, I’ve found that a lot of people are giving much of Adidas’s recent success to their ability to be so innovative. One man’s comment on sneaker news even said, “Comparing this list (Adidas top 10) to
Nike's top 10, it’s so clear that Adidas is doing their absolute best to innovate, whereas Nike is just re-releasing the same shoe over and over again.” This is very true; Adidas refers to their major shoe lines as Athleisure shoes. That is a mix of athletic shoe wear and leisure shoes. The release of Adidas’s Yeezy shoe line back in 2015 did wonders by winning consumer ’s, which increased their sales. In 2015, Adidas’s Yeezy Boost 350 won the top sneaker sales of the entire year and had the most sneaker likes on Instagram with 78.8 million. Nike’s Air Jordan I followed behind with only 23.8 million Instagram likes. Adidas new shoe lines are
not only winning over many average people’s hearts, but some celebrities as well. Kanye West has signed a long-term partnership with Adidas, as well as singer/ songwriter Pharrell Williams and NBA player Derrick Rose. Their endorsements and publicity through social media sites such as Twitter are a huge way that Adidas is getting their new image out. Adidas taking over Nike for the number one spot in athletic footwear is still pretty farfetched, but the large strides they have made in these past few years can’t be ignored. Either way I’m anxious to see what Nike comes up with to combat Adidas or if Adidas just keeps improving.
Adidas shoes keep improving
Nike has been a powerhouse for the athletic footwear industry for nearly 50 years. Over those years they have not only developed one of the most well known brands worldwide, but they also have tons of top athletes that endorse their brand. There is no question that Nike can be considered the king of athletic wear, but Adidas’s recent boost in their footwear has many wondering just how close to Nike they will rise. Personally, I am a huge fan
@WesternCourier
Friday, March 9, 2018
If you ask me what I was doing freshman year of college for spring break or even last year I would’ve told you that going on vacation for spring break is stupid. Why waste your time and money going on a vacation for spring break, when you could use this time to get a part-time job for the week or pick up shifts for someone. Basically you could do just about anything to earn some money so you’re not broke for the second half of the semester.
working as hard as you can so you have enough money to get through the rest of the semester. For others, it could mean getting to spend time with your loved ones and friends. It could just mean getting a break from assignments. I’m usually the one who’s working hard during spring break so I have enough money to last the rest of the semester. Although I say all this, this year, I decided to try it out. This semester I'm choosing to go on vacation with my best friend. We’ve been working so hard in school that we thought it would be nice to treat ourselves. It’s how people can afford an extravagant vacation. I am usually against spend-
Back then I thought that if you went on spring break, you were just some spoiled rich kid who got what you wanted. I couldn’t wrap my head around how people were able to spend thousands of dollars to go to Florida or Texas or anywhere in the United States. I still can’t wrap my head around how some people go halfway across the world for just a week, but it’s understandable why people go on vacation. For some, spring break means going home and
Editorial Policy The editoral views of the Western Courier shall be confined to this editorial and are to be separate from news coverage otherwise noted. The editoral presented is based on the ideas and views of the WC editoral board.Columns are the opinions of the columnists alone and should not be construed as the opinions and beliefs of the WC staff as a whole.
Letters & Local Forum Policies E-mail letters to the Editor and Local Forum messages to micour@wiu.edu. Letters should not be more than 350 words in length. The author’s name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Failure to include such information will lead to the letter being discarded. The WC staff will edit letters in cases of timeliness, obscenity length and grammer, and we do not guarantee publication of all letters.
2018 Spring Semester Editorial Board Editor-in-Cheif - Nicholas Ebelhack Edge Editor - Baylee Bryntesson Opinions Editor - Ryan Zurek
OPINIONS 5
ing money that doesn’t need to be spent and saving the little money I have, by spending time with my family over week vacations. This semester however, I’ve had a stressful time with school and felt that I needed a vaction this spring break. My vacation is not anything too expensive where I would come back extremely broke, but something fun. My best friend and I are deciding to visit one of my friends who graduated last year. We are going to Florida for a chill vacation. It is something that I can afford and something that will be relaxing because after all, it is Florida. It’s okay to treat yourself once in a while when you’ve earned it. I’m not saying that I was able to
go on a cruise or anything because that is way out of my price range, but now I understand why people do go on vacation. Back then I was so naïve and I thought it was stupid and a waste of money, but now I can see why people go somewhere other than home for break. I personally wouldn’t be able to take a summer vacation because I start my summer job right when school is done. It will be way too hard to take a vacation over Christmas break, that’s when I realized that I need to be part of the majority and go on a vacation. Yes traveling may not be for everyone, but if you get the opportunity to go on vacation, take it.
Friday, March 9, 2018
6 SPORTS
Softball from back page
Beatty also leads the team and places fifth in the Summit league for stolen bases so far this season with three. Beatty has been a strong defensive help for the Purple and Gold this season, making 37 catches, 33 putouts, and scoring four assists awarding her a perfect fielding percentage. Missouri State comes into the game with a 10-8 record, scoring wins over other Summit League members such as the University of Nebraska-
WesternCourier.com
Omaha and the University of South Dakota. Both of those wins ended in five innings as Missouri State was up by 10 runs. An offensive powerhouse for the Bears is senior outfielder Erika Velasquez Zimmer. Zimmer leads the Bears with a .375 batting average accompanied by five RBIs, three doubles, and a .464 slugging percentage. The Purple and Gold face off against Missouri State at noon on Saturday. The game will be played at the C. Howard Wilkins Softball Complex in Wichita, Kansas. Twitter: thefluffy66
JASMYNE TAYLOR/COURIER STAFF
Drue Galassi walks back to the base
Baseball from back page
Rachel Beatte squares up during her at bat.
The Hoosiers are currently 9-3 and have faced nationally ranked opponents this season. Some of these teams include number the 18 ranked Oklahoma University, the number 17 ranked South Alabama University and the number 13 ranked San Diego University. The home opener will be held on March 16 in a threegame series against North Dakota State. This is not only their first
JASMYNE TAYLOR/COURIER STAFF
CLASSIFIEDS
WC
For Rent
For Rent
Submit a classifieds ad to Micour@wiu.edu
1 & 2 bedroom apartments, new $250 signing bonus on 10 and 12 month leases. Two blocks from campus. Bus stops nearby. Free water, garbage and parking. Laundry onsite. Clean, well maintained and secure. Call Ted 309-837-5600 or visit markertrental.com. Spacious 2-5 bedroom homes for rent. 10 month lease available. Great locations, close to bus stops, plenty off street parking, all new windows, AC, energy efficient furnace, hardwood and ceramic tile floors, free washer/dryer. Well maintained (24 hrs.) by local landlord. Call 309-255-1233. Houses for Rent 2016/2017: A&D Real Estate has several 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses for rent, all with at least 2 bathrooms, recently rennovated and located close to campus. Call for a tour or visit our website at www.wiucollegerentals.com. Local landlord with a focus on clean and updated housing with personal service for your college housing needs. 309-313-1122. FALL INTO SAVINGS with Charleston Boulevard Apartments! Now offering SPECIAL RATES through Dec. 2017! Call for specific details 309-833-4545!. NICE, CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED 1 TO 6 BEDROOM HOUSES FOR 2016-2017 Our houses have hard wood floors, ceramic tile, central air, washer and dryer and are close to campus with plenty of parking. We offer a ten month lease so you don’t pay for the months you aren’t here. Please call 309-255-1959 for a showing. Now showing for 2017 & 2018 year 2, 3, and 5 bedrooms homes all close to campus. Call 309-331-4565. Westen Investments has only two 4-Bedroom brich houses available. Call our office at 309-833-5995 to schedule a showing! We will show to 2-3 person groups as well! STC Investments now leasing for the 18/19 school year. We have 1-6 bedroom apartments/houses ready for you to call home! Check out our selection at www.stcinvestments.com. You can also find us on Facebook to see daily posts!
LARGE STUDENT RENTALS 5 and 6 Bedroom Homes are still available!! Ask for our $1000.00 Discount program! Firsrt come first serve for the last large homes that are open for the fall. NICE, CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED 1 TO 6 BEDROOM HOUSES FOR 2017-2018 Our houses have wood floors, ceramic tile, W/D, central air, and are close to campus with plentry of parking. We offer low rent and a 10 month lease to save you money! Call 309-255-1959 for a showing. Small 1BR apt near campus and downtown. All utilities included. (Electric, Water, DISH, Garbage) $500/month, $300 deposit. Available immediately. Also have 2BR, you pay electric. $600/month, $350 deposit available September 1st. Please contact 309-255-4367 for a showing. CLEAN, REMODELED, AND WELL MAINTAINED HOUSES AND APTS FOR RENT IN GREAT LOCATIONS. UTILITIES PAID FOR APARTMENTS. RENTING NOW FOR FALL 2017. ALSO RENTING TWO APTS FOR SPRING 2016. CALL JASON AT 309-221-3985. Timbercrest Apartments 1587 Riverview Drive Now showing 1 & 2 Bedroom Units. Very clean, close to WIU campus with bus stop in front of building. Washer/dryer available in most units, all other appliances included, FREE INTERNET, ceiling fans in every room, pet friendly. All units have off street parking and private decks overlooking campus. Both 10- and 12-month leases are available. Openings for Summer 2017 and school year 2017/2018. Deposit required. Phone (309)833-3192 and leave message. Westen Investments has just one 3-Bedroom ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED (Water, Sewer, Trash, Gas, Electric, and Internet) Apartment left! That’s right you just pay for rent, and the rest of it is on us! Call our office at 309-833-5995 to check it out. Looking for 2 roommates to share a 3-bedroom furnished house beginning in August for 2018-19. 10- to 12-month contract. New carpet, air, garage w/ storage, laundry. $300 each per month, plus utilities. Call Sharon at 309-338-3888.
home game but it is also their first Summit League matchup. Oral Roberts University currently leads the conference with a 7-3 record. North Dakota State is in second with a record of 6-6. Followed by the University of Nebraska-Omaha in the third spot with a record of 4-8. Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne is 3-7 and sits at fourth, and South Dakota State University is fifth at 2-10. The Leathernecks currently sit at the bottom of the Summit League standings. Twitter: hayfourrr
RATES $5.50 per issue (open rate) $4.00 per issue (campus rate)
For Rent Available now: Close to campus, clean studio apartments, excellent condition, reasonable rent, and partly furnished. Ceiling fans and a/c. Professionally maintained. No pets. Semester leases offered. Call 309 837 4369 and leave your phone number if not there. Email: MandKhousing@gmail.com ALL APARTMENTS - ALL INCLUSIVE Get control of your budget. Know exactly what you are spending each month. Each apartment includes free a/c, free heat, free electricity, free water, free cable tv, free hi speed internet, and free off street parking. Laundry on site. No noise policy. Bus stop across the street. Close to campus. Well maintained. Studios are $460/mo, One bedrooms are $620/mo. Call Doug at 309-255-8179 for an appointment. Westen Investments still has affordable 1-4 Bedroom Apartment/Houses available. Be sure to check out our website (www.westeninvest.com) to see our available listings, and call our office at 309-833-5995 to schedule a showing. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to win prize giveaways! APARTMENT FOR RENT: FOR QUIET PERSON. ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT LOCATED AT 314 West Carroll ST Macomb, Ill 61455. Available end of August 2017-new carpeting yearly lease SMALEST FURNISHED IN MACOMB $345.00/month - HEAT & AC INCLUDED private entrance, off-street parking included call for appointment309-837-4748 or 255-5075 woodburning fireplace, ask for Paul. For Rent: Little Swan Lake, 30 min from campus. 2br, 2bth, heated double car garage with work area. $600 per mo. (309) 335-2206 after 6:00 pm, may leave message anytime. Spacious 3 Bedroom Upper in Duplex close to campus and Jackson St. All utilities furnished and appliances Includes cable and internet 18/19 school year $375.00 per Br Ph 309 255 8086 Please leave message
Sports 7
Friday, March 9, 2018
@WesternCourier
Expect the unexpected during March Madness
It’s that time of year again. March Madness is upon us. Personally, my favorite time of the year because you never expect what you’re going to get. Just when you think you have the “perfect bracket,” it usually is busted after the first day. A total of 68 teams are battling it out, all for one goal, to hold the title. Of course, every team doesn’t stand a chance of winning the whole tournament, but from time to time we see David defeat Goliath. The one game elimination is what makes it so entertaining. We don’t have the best four games out of seven. Any team can win on any given day. Sometimes we see 15 seed upset a two seed, 14 seed upset a three seed, and 13 seed upset a four seed. But what usually happens at least once or twice a year, and the most common upset is a 12 seed upset the five seed. Last year, 12 seed Middle Tennessee State was favored last year against five seed Minnesota and defeated them. Every year the big question is will a 16 seed finally beat a one seed? And up to this point, it has never been done. The brackets don’t come out until Sunday, so the seeding’s and match ups aren’t set. So, it’s hard to predict the final four. But here are the eight teams that I think can make a run, and play
at the Final Four in San Antonio: My first pick is the Michigan State University Spartans. A lot of people's favorite in the beginning of the year to win it all, and no surprise they won the Big 10 regular season. They have a 29-4 record, and arguably have the best duo in the country with Miles Bridges and Jaren Jackson. Also, their third best player, Cassius Winston, can catch on fire at any time leading the country in three-point field goal percentage. They have a very experienced bench as well. Their bench combines for over 100 starts in their career. Coach Izzo is looking to add another title to his Hall of Fame career, and don’t be surprised if he leads them to another Final Four. The next team I see making waves are the University of Virginia Cavaliers. Do you like old fashion basketball? Then Virginia is the team for you. Year in and year out they have the best defense in the country. They are currently the number one team in the country with a 28-2 record and are the ACC regular season champs. Only giving up 52.4 points has lead them to be at the top. But their lack of scoring has hurt them over the years. Head coach Tony Bennett is looking be apart of the Final Four. His sophomore duo Ty Jerome and Kyle Guy will have to catch fire
for them to get to San Antonio. My third pick is the University of Villanova Wildcats. The Wildcats are simply a team that can do it all. They are number two overall, and 27-4. It looks like they are going to be a one seed, and that’s actually not the best news for them. Under head coach Jay Wright, they have been a one seed three times and have been eliminated in round 32 each time. However, they have had recent success winning it all on an unforgettable buzzer, defeating North Carolina two years ago. Their two juniors, Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, lead the team. They both have a National Championship under their belt and look to add another. Next up, the Blue Devils of Duke University. Who doesn’t think of Duke and head coach Mike Krzyzewski, when it comes to college basketball? Since Kryzewski took over as head coach in 1980, Duke has five NCAA Championships, and 12 Final Four appearances. They are 25-6 and number five in the country. Senior Grayson Allen leads the team. He won a National Championship in 2015, and has came back to win another. However, this year's team is very similar to the 2015 team because they have four freshmen that play a big role: Marvin Bailey III, Wendell Carter Jr., Trevon Duval and Gary Trent Jr. If they prove that the big moment doesn’t faze them like it hasn’t all year, they may just win another title. My fifth pick is the University of Purdue Boilermakers. Unlike the youth of Duke, Purdue is an
experienced team. They have four seniors in their starting lineup, which will inevitably help them in the long run. Vincent Edwards, Isaac Haas, Dakota Mathias and P.J. Thompson. With the one-and-done rule we are not used to seeing this old of a team, but this team at one point won 19 in-a-row and has a 28-6 record. The scary part is, those four players aren’t even their best players. It is sophomore point guard, Carsen Edwards. He was First Team All-Big Ten and is the leading scorer with 18.5. Head coach Matt Painter is looking for his first Final Four appearance since taking over in 2005, and this is his best team yet. My sixth pick is the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. I had to put the defending champions on my list. Although they’ve been up and down all year with a 23-9 record, I like them for two reasons: senior leader Joel Berry, and head coach Roy Williams whose won three National Championships. One of my dark horse picks is the University of Michigan Wolverines. They were last year’s biggest team that went into the tournament. It’s well known that a year ago they were in a plane crash on their way to the Big Ten tournament. The next day they arrived into Washington D.C. and had to play in their practice jerseys. They ended up winning four games in four days to get the automatic bid and went to the Sweet 16. They repeated as Big Ten tournament champs and are currently on a nine game win-
ning streak. Mo Wagner and Muhammad-Ali AbdurRahkman are the two remaining starters from last year’s team, and have led Michigan to a 28-7 record. They also have a deep bench led by Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year, Duncan Robinson. Head coach John Beilein’s team is always known for their shooting, but this year not only can they shoot, but also they are top ten in overall defense. This is why I think they have a great shot at getting to their second Final Four under Beilein. Last but not least, my shocker team, The University of Missouri Tigers. They are 20-11 under first year head coach Cuonzo Martin. Last year they were only 8-23. Even though they won eight games last year, they had a lot of expectations heading into the year because of freshman star Michael Porter Jr. He went down in the first game of the year, and many thought he would be out for the year. Missouri’s hope to be in the tournament went away. But they put together a strong season and will be in the tournament. That’s not the only good news for them. Porter Jr. will play in the SEC tournament. He will come of the bench, and maybe start in the future. If he can prove why he was such a high recruit, I can see Missouri as a seven-seed team sneaking into the Final Four. Those are they eight teams that I think are the most interesting and can make a run in the big dance. If there is one thing I know that will happen during March Madness, is that the unexpected will happen.
Tennis looks to continue winning streak
By Bradley Piros courier staff
MACOMB, Ill. – The Western Illinois University women’s tennis team has a busy weekend ahead of them as they travel down to St. Louis to visit the Maryville University Saints and then head back up state to the University of SpringfieldIllinois Prairie Stars. The Leathernecks are currently 6-5 overall but remain 3-3 while facing schools away. They are however on a two-game winning streak, and they look to continue that form moving forward this weekend. Last time out, Western took on the visiting Missouri State University Bears. The Leathernecks won that match in a spectacular come back fashion. After trailing by 3-1 they were able to bounce back in singles competition to get the 4-3 victory. Head coach Mirko Bjelica was extremely pleased with the way his team performed. “The girls did it in singles. On the comeback first Ana (Bjelica) and Mary (Bjelica) won in two sets which set up for a dramatic finish, Natalia (Bravo) won her match in three sets and finally Courtney (Lubbers) came back
from a set to win in the decisive and final match.” Things didn’t start off that well though as the Bears were able to win both the doubles matches and pick up the 1-0 lead early on. The freshman Bjelica sisters, also the coaches two daughters, teamed up in the No. 3 spot but fell short of the victory. Sophomore Natalia Bravo, along with senior partner Courtney Lubbers were in the No. 1 spot, but also dropped in doubles competition. Western was down 2-0 at this point, so they needed everything they had to try and complete the upset, and they brought out all the stops. The freshman Bjelica sisters were both able to win their respected singles matches. Ana won hers at the No. 5 spot with a 6-4, 6-0 victory over Ellie Burger while Mary (No. 6) won with a pair of 6-4 scores to cut the lead to 3-2. Mary Bjelica is now 6-0 in singles competition. Lubbers finished off the Bears and completed the comeback with a singles win in three sets over Anelisse Torrico-Morneo. Lubbers went down in the first set 6-4 but rallied with a pair of 6-4 sets of her own to win it all for Western. “The girls and our fans were
ecstatic, and the afternoon swing came our way,” Bjelica said after watching his team battle back for the win. With the win over the Bears, the team is full of confidence heading into this weekend, but they’ll still have to bring their A-game if they want to get a couple of victories while away. Both of the teams their going up against are on three-game winning streaks, and no one wants to lose that streak. Last time out, Maryville beat Missouri Baptist 5-3 and USI beat Olivet Nazarene University, so both of these sides are ready to come out against Western and win on their home courts. These two teams are also some of the last non-conference opponents that Western will face this year, because before they know it, they’ll be in competition with some tough Summit League schools like South Dakota and the University of Denver. The match starts on Friday at 1 p.m. in St. Louis or you can catch them in action again on Saturday. That game also starts at 1 p.m. in Springfield, Ill. The Leathernecks final home meet will be April 21, against the Quincy University Hawks. twitter: bradjp08
Courtney Lubbers prepares for doubles matchup.
GOLEATHERNECKSCOM
Softball looks to snap losing streak By David Koier courier staff
WICHITA, Kan.- The Western Illinois Leathernecks softball team faces off against the Missouri State Bears in the first round of the Wichita State University Tournament on Saturday. The Leathernecks are 6-13, and currently on a two game losing streak. Both of those losses came against the Auburn University Tigers last weekend in a tournament hosted at Auburn. The most recent loss for the Purple and Gold was last Sunday to the Tigers. The Leathernecks came up scoreless losing 7-0 with the loss being from junior pitcher Megan Lotarski. Lotarski is 3-5 on the season and has an ERA of 3.29 and 19 strikeouts. Lotarski is tied for fourth, along with fellow Leatherneck pitcher Emily Ira in the Summit League for ERA. Another top pitcher for the Leathernecks is Ira. Ira also has a 3.29 ERA but has one less win bringing her record to 2-5. Ira has six complete games on the season tossing two shutouts in her seven starts. Ira leads
the team in strikeouts, throwing 51 punch-outs on the season, which places her number three in the Summit League. Ira also has only walked seven batters in her 49-innings pitched. Ira was named Summit League Pitcher of the Week on Feb. 26. An offensive leader for the Purple and Gold is sophomore center fielder Jasmine Lara. Lara leads the team with a batting average of .370, striking out in only six plate appearances. Lara is one of five Leathernecks to have played in all 19 games this season. Lara also leads the team in on base with 46.9 percent. Defensively, Lara has a perfect fielding percentage with 28 catches and 27 putouts. Senior right fielder Rachel Beatty has been doing great things for the Leathernecks this season. The senior has a .295 batting average in her 18 starts, only sitting out one game this season. Beatty has a .432 slugging percentage, four RBIs and one home run with only seven strikeouts in her 44 at bats.
Softball page 6
Jasmine Lara takes a look down at the base.
FILE PHOTO
Baseball still seeking first win By Haley Richards
assistant sports editor
Steve McShane follows through on his swing.
FILE PHOTO
TERRA HAUTE, Ind. -- The Western Illinois baseball team hits the road once again to Indiana. The Leathernecks will be facing the Indiana State University Sycamores in a threegame series. Western is currently 0-9 on the season while Indiana State is 6-5. The first game of the series is set for Saturday with the first pitch at noon. They will then play another game on Sunday and the final series game on Sunday. So far, this season, Western Illinois has faced teams such as Middle Tennessee State University, Murray State University and Evansville. Indiana State has seen the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Loyola Marymount University, University of Oregon, Vanderbilt University and Middle Tennessee State as well. The Leathernecks lost to Middle Tennessee State all three games in their first series of the season. The scores of the games were 2-0, 11-7, and 9-3. The Sycamores, however, beat Middle Tennessee State 21-4. In previous games, the Leathernecks been unlucky at
the plate. They currently have 25 total runs as a team but have 60 runs against them. Senior infielder Mitch Ellis leads the Purple and Gold offensively with a batting average of .583. Junior outfielder Steve McShane has the second highest at .350 and freshman catcher Caleb Jacobs just behind him at .333. For the Sycamores, junior outfielder Luke Fegen leads the team with a .407 batting average. Junior infielder Jarrod Watkins follows at .388 and junior outfielder Roberto Enriquez at .359. The last time these two teams met was in the 2014 season for a three-game series in Terra Haute, Ind. Unfortunately, the Leathernecks lost all three games of the series but each game was close. The scores of the games were 4-2, 8-5 and 7-4. Western will look to end their losing streak this weekend as they continue their trek through the Hoosier State. The Purple and Gold will remain on the road as they travel to Bloomington, Ind. over spring break. This next weekend they will face Indiana University which will conclude their five weeks of road games.
Baseball page 6